2018/2019 Nova Scotia Wine Grape Bud Hardiness Report no. 11: March 19 – 20

Citation

2018/2019 Nova Scotia Wine Grape Bud Hardiness Report no. 11: March 19 – 20

Abstract

A wine grape bud hardiness report is generated and distributed to the Grape Growers of Nova Scotia (GGANS) membership on a bi-weekly basis throughout the dormant season. The bi-weekly survey is performed on 3 vinifera cultivars (‘Chardonnay’, ‘Riesling’, ‘Pinot Noir’) and 2 hybrid cultivars (‘L’Acadie Blanc’, ‘Marquette’) and involves 10 grower collaborators for a total of 23 varietal blocks in total. Each report uses a table to show the latest low temperature exotherm (LTE) levels for the present and past weeks. The report also includes comments highlighting observations over the last reporting period, a plot showing the change in LTE values throughout the season, the historical 100 year minimum values and the present year’s minimum values. Three times throughout the season (early, middle, late) 11 “extra” varieties (‘Baco Noir’, ‘Chenin Blanc’, ‘Geisenheim’, ‘Leon Millot’, ‘Lucie Kuhlman’, ‘New York Muscat’, ‘Pinot Gris’, ‘Sauvignon Blanc’, ‘Seyval Blanc’, ‘Seyval Blanc’, ‘Vidal Blanc’, ‘Ortega’) from 22 additional varietal blocks are also reported.

The last 2 weeks have seen a continuation of colder than normal temperatures recorded at the Kentville Research Station. If you look closely at the 100-year temperature trend line (light grey), you will notice that minimum temperatures have traditionally started to increase
slightly by this time of year. Long-term forecasts suggest that we could experience warmer temperatures in the coming weeks, which should initiate de-acclimation in most of our grape cultivars.

Publication date

2019-03-22

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